Event photography: capture the perfect moment at concerts, stage shows or events

In event photography, the attraction lies in capturing the celebrating people in an optimal pose. However, patience and practice are the basic recipes for successful photos of festivals and shows. Of course, the technology of the digital camera can also be used for the desired spectacular event photo.

The perfect moment – a puzzle in event photography

At major events such as stage shows, festivals or concerts, practically everything is in motion at all times. First of all it is necessary to observe the events, the people and the light conditions. In addition, the photographer should step aside from the action for a while – which is not always successful in large crowds. As a substitute, it helps to simply observe everyone and everything around you from your own movement in the middle of it. Of course, the camera must also be ready for use during the observation phase. Because when the perfect pose appears, it is just as quickly over again. If you don’t want to be patient, you can try out whether a successful shot appears in series pictures. Most digital cameras have a function that allows you to take pictures one after the other. Not always, but with great probability, even beginners in event photography will find their ideal motif in such snapshots. It is also important for the observation phase that the people photographed agree with the photographs. The demand before can lead even to the fact that the spontaneous models begin to pose. If not, the only thing that helps is to keep searching in the crowd. Especially at festivals and stage shows the atmosphere is relaxed and therefore a promise is very likely.

Event photography and the right light for shots

Flashlight is annoying at large events and is considered inappropriate in many such situations. But it also works without: With the “Available Light” method. The photographer uses the light available at the show and tries to set the exposure optimally. It is helpful if the ISO value is adjusted upwards as far as possible. Now the aperture is opened wide, which results in a mostly wobble-free exposure time for the event motifs. It is also good against jerky images and incorrect exposures to shift the exposure correction to the minus range when preselecting the camera. This can lead to underexposure. But if the available light is used as cheaply as possible, then at least in continuous shooting mode some particularly atmospheric pictures will succeed. A camera sensor with good noise behaviour is the next chance to catch pictures in the hustle and bustle of a big event that are rich in detail and sufficiently well exposed despite a possibly dark stage or street environment. If you also work with a lens for event photography that has a fast fixed focal length instead of a zoom function, you will certainly capture artistically appealing event moments if you have enough stamina.

9 Tips to be a Event photographer

Result: Sense and patience are a prerequisite for the perfect event picture

On the one hand, a good shot in event photography requires patience. Nevertheless, the photographer must be as close as possible to the action, preferably in motion, in order to get a glimpse of the most beautiful poses and scenes of the festival or stage show. After all, technical settings and a feel for the ambient light are decisive factors for capturing wobbly and sufficiently exposed motifs in the decisive second of an event recording.

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